The new ultraWAVE 3 is the latest generation of SRC technology that further elevates the value of this technology for elemental analysis in terms of performance, time, workflow, and cost of ownership.
Single reaction chamber (SRC) technology
The well-established advantages of SRC technology are further enhanced by updated construction incorporating multiple technological advancements.
By combining ultraWAVE 3's new features with those already inherent in the technology, labs will benefit from increased productivity, improved performance, and a more efficient workflow, which will increase their competitiveness and lower their cost of ownership.
UltraWAVE's special SRC technology offers higher digestion efficiency because of its superior digestion capabilities, which come from its higher temperature and pressure features.
Several features of the system include reduced handling and cleaning, the ability to process various samples simultaneously, minimized turnaround time, and enhanced lab efficiency.
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Benefits
- Rugged construction
PTFE-TFM was used in the design of all wetted components, making it completely compatible with any acid mixture and requiring little upkeep to reduce ownership costs.
- High-pressure lines
High safety and reduced blanks are guaranteed by the two pressure lines, one for the inlet and one for the outlet, which are made of acid-resistant stainless steel.
- Racks
Racks of 7, 20, 27, and 40 vials offer an even greater throughput than earlier models.
- easyTEMP temperature control
A true contactless temperature sensor can directly regulate the samples' internal digestion with no reading delays.
- Advanced heating technology
The silent water-cooled magnetron guarantees better working conditions and increased heating efficiency.
- User interface
Outfitted with the newest features to provide the operator with easy access to all digestion information.
The SRC capabilities
Complete digestion and dissolution
The enhanced digestion conditions enable complete sample decomposition, ensuring all target elements dissolve, even in the most chemically stable and challenging samples.
Low blanks and dilution
Blank levels and dilution factors are decreased when high temperatures are combined with low acid volumes or diluted acids.
Low residual carbon content
Complete digestion of the sample matrix ensures the lowest residual carbon content and reduces polyatomic-based interferences during analysis.
Larger sample mass
Thanks to the combination of a broad pressure range and precise digestion control, even highly reactive samples can be safely digested.
Easy-to-use technology
Optimized workflow
The Single Reaction Chamber (SRC), a stainless-steel reactor with a high-purity PTFE-TFM liner and cover that doubles as a microwave cavity and digestion vessel, is the central component of ultraWAVE.
The reactor is closed after the samples and reagents are put in vials and racks and lowered into the PTFE-TFM liner, which contains a water-based solution (1). Regardless of the sample and acid mixtures in the vials, the water-based load homogenizes the temperature. To avoid reagent boiling, element loss, and sample cross-contamination, the chamber is pre-pressurized with an inert gas after it is closed (2).
A sophisticated contactless temperature sensor initiates microwave heating and continuously regulates the digestion cycle in each vial (3). An integrated water-cooling circuit keeps the stainless steel chamber's temperature low. It facilitates the quick cooling of the digestion vials after the heating cycle, followed by the chamber's automatic venting (4).
The digested sample solutions are then prepared for dilution and analysis after opening the reactor.
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Technology inside. Performance outside
A thorough analysis of the current system's hardware, software, user experience, and economics was necessary to develop a next-generation SRC-based microwave digestion system that would have a significant impact.
UltraWAVE 3 is the result of numerous minor and major changes that significantly impact each of these areas.
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Accelerating elemental analysis workflow
Simplified handling
UltraWAVE 3's vials and racks are designed to reduce assembly and disassembly time. The rack is prepared for the digestion process by the operator simply placing loose-fitting caps on the vials. This method eliminates the operator time needed to close and open the vessels, which is usually required with rotor-based systems.
The large range of racks and vials makes it possible to meet contemporary labs' productivity, application, and detection limit needs. Racks come in a variety of capacities to accommodate any sample or mass. Vials are offered in common laboratory glass (disposable), high-purity quartz, and high-purity PTFE-TFM to meet each lab's application and detection limit requirements.
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Avoid vessel cleaning and reduce operator time
Complexly constructed digestion vessels are necessary for rotor-based systems to contain the high pressure inside each vessel. Vials can withstand high pressures with a much simpler construction, thanks to the SRC approach, which guarantees equal pressures inside and outside the vials.
Because of this special feature, the SRC technology even makes it possible to use cheap, disposable glass tubes. This method is frequently used for more routine applications because it eliminates the time-consuming vessel cleaning step and the potential memory effects issue.
Up to 50% less time is spent on manual labor when using ultraWAVE 3. The system performs several tasks automatically, including automatically sealing the vials and closing and venting the chamber, which saves operator time and improves operational safety and productivity.
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Ideal mate for daily sample prep
The ultraWAVE 3 user interface supports fast and simple operation. It just takes a few seconds to start a routine digestion: open the method and click “start.” Thanks to single-reaction chamber technology, most sample types found in a typical laboratory can be handled with a single method.
The system uses a PID algorithm to automatically control the digestion parameters listed on the sidebar of every display page and reported on the graph page.
To minimize the time required for method development and refinement, the system includes a comprehensive list of official and standard methods that guide the operator in optimizing parameters based on particular matrices. The system then makes it simple to create and store customized methods.
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Low cost of ownership
The costs of operation and maintenance are frequently considered when evaluating a new investment. The Single Reaction Chamber technology from ultraWAVE offers a whole new sample preparation method that affects these two expense categories.
Switching from complicated and costly digestion vessels to straightforward and less costly vials or even disposable glass tubes has drastically decreased consumable costs. UltraWAVE 3 further lowers the system's maintenance costs by utilizing Milestone's more than 20 years of experience with SRC technology.
Together with a usage-based preventive maintenance program, the new system construction guarantees limited costs, which reduces lab expenses. The return on investment (ROI) has never been greater when paired with increased productivity and less operator time needed.
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“Total workflow” sample preparation approach
Consider the entire sample preparation workflow for elemental analysis, not just sample digestion. Look for ways to prevent workflow interruptions that affect the results produced in a lab. Consider some factors, such as the handling of reagents, the cleaning strategy, the availability of ultrapure acids, and the handling of digestion vessels.
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